Three great days of racing concluded Sunday at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. An estimated crowd of nearly 69,000 braved 95-plus degree heat and were rewarded with great racing from both the V8 Supercars and the Pirelli World Challenge cars.

COTA is proving to be a destination track. Nearly 5,500 fans flew from Australia to watch the action, and the V8 drivers estimated that nearly 50 percent of the fans at the autograph sessions were Aussies -- meaning several thousand more flew to Austin from various part of the country to get a little slice of Oz.

V8 officials and drivers are all indicating they want to come back in 2014, and let's hope they do. A date earlier in the spring would certainly help the attendance, as would eliminating the $30/day COTA parking fee. The good folks at COTA also need to ramp up their local public relations and advertising efforts. Too many cab drivers, patrons in downtown sports bars, and folks on the street simply had no idea of the V8 Supercar race this weekend. That is an easy fix. Finding a cooler slot in the racing calendars might be more challenging.

As I've written in earlier posts, I'm really impressed with the high level of organization and professionalism the V8 Supercars bring to each circuit. The folks at the American Le Mans Series, Grand-Am and Pirelli World Challenge should all be taking notes on how to streamline the parc ferme and podiums for better television and to how to keep the attention of the attending fans. Bottom line -- fans don't want to hear an endless stream of questions and answers during a podium -- they simply want to see a celebration. Formula One has it figured out, so does the V8 Supercars organization -- it is not that difficult.

Furthermore, the V8 Supercars teams all know and understand how to promote their drivers and their sponsors -- even half a world away from their homeland. Smart, effective promotions -- from the local minor league baseball team to corporate hospitality in the suites above the pits to educating and engaging the local media about their sport -- the Aussies have it figured out.

The most lasting impression of this weekend is the cars. Racing is about entertainment, and these cars are as entertaining to watch as any form of racing.

I'll be happy to come back in 2014 for next year's race. Austin is a great city to host any sporting event, and the Circuit of the Americas is the perfect circuit in North America for this racing series.

The Australian V8 Supercars put on a good show at Circuit of the Americas. Photo by Rick Dole